Sad news greets the players of the new addictive mobile game Flappy Bird, as its Vietnam-based developer Dong Nguyen has announced plans of removing the game from iOS and Android app stores in 22 hours.
"I am sorry 'Flappy Bird' users, 22 hours from now, I will take 'Flappy Bird' down. I cannot take this anymore," said Nguyen in a tweet that has sent shock waves across the gaming community.
Nguyen stated in another tweet that the decision "is not anything related to legal issues. I just cannot keep it anymore." He also said that he is not selling the game, and added that he will continue to make games.
Flappy Bird, which has been in stores since mid-2013, picked up of late and has been making $50,000 a day in ad revenue, The Verge reported. The game is pretty difficult but players keep on trying to make high scores.
The game has been trending on Twitter and has topped the free games list on both iOS App Store and Google Play. It has been downloaded more than 50 million times.
Flappy Bird has a simple design with Mario-esque environments, where players try to tap the fluffy bird safely through rows of pipes.
The creator had previously spoken about a sequel to the game in an interview. However, he has now stated that he detests the fame and the crazy media attention, that he is getting now.
"Press people are overrating the success of my games. It is something I never want. Please give me peace," he tweeted.